WIREDGOV

We're warning people to watch out for fraudsters claiming to be from the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Fraudsters claiming to be from the Ombudsman are cold-calling victims and telling them they have a cheque for a large amount of money from a compensation claim. The victim is then told to buy an iTunes (or similar voucher) roughly to the value of £300 to ‘release’ the compensation. They then claim that a courier will collect it from their home address and that a cheque will be sent to them in the post.

The service, which deals with complaints from consumers about the financial services industry, is a free service for the public and it would never cold call households to ask for a fee in order to claim reimbursement.

If you think a call claiming to be from the Ombudsman is suspicious you can call them directly on 0300 123 9123.

Protect yourself from fake Ombudsman calls

• never buy iTunes or gift vouchers if instructed to by someone claiming to be from a government body or official.
• never provide personal details – such as your address, phone number etc - unless you're absolutely sure a request is genuine;
• never hand over any payment to anyone claiming to work at the ombudsman – their service is free to all consumers and they would never ask you for money over the phone;
• never provide any of your banking or credit card details unless you know for certain that the request is genuine; and
• never give anyone your security information, such as your internet/telephone banking password or log-on details (no genuine banking firm ever asks you to provide this information).

If you think you have been a victim of fraud you should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by using the online reporting tool.